"Today's combined message now gives us an opportunity to really delve into the details. This is very unique. So, now we've seen a lot of what the governor has talked about in the past presented to us. So I hope to go back to my constituents and discuss this with them. I'm really happy that the focus remains on economic issues. That should be a priority. Now we have to determine the best way to accomplish some of the goals and continue to keep a line on spending here in the state of New York to create more job opportunities throughout the state, to lower taxes on our businesses and the middle class. So at least the conversation and the acknowledgment and recognition is on economic issues - upstate recovery - so I'm pleased with that.

“In the coming days and weeks I, along with my Long Island colleagues in the Senate and Assembly will be thoroughly analyzing Governor Cuomo’s Executive Budget Proposal. As the process gets underway with hearings, I will work to be a strong advocate for the needs of my constituents in the 8th Senate District.

ALBANY, NY - Reacting to today's combined State of the State and executive budget presentation by the Governor, State Senator Terrence Murphy said he supports some of the Governor's proposals. Elements of the plan mirror Murphy's priorities for middle class tax relief and infrastructure improvements.

Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) said, "Today, Governor Cuomo proposed a plan that would provide property tax relief, create jobs, invest in our infrastructure and make our higher education system more affordable. I applaud the Governor for listening to our community by proposing to invest $1.3 billion for the Tappan Zee Bridge to prevent toll increases.

Statement from Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) following Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State Address and Executive Budget Proposal:

“We need to keep our eye on the ball, and the primary focus during budget negotiations should be jobs, jobs and more jobs. I was happy to hear the Governor speak about small business tax relief and expansion of broadband in rural areas because both of the initiatives will bring us more opportunities. Distribution of economic development funds must benefit rural areas to ensure that every region of the state gets the attention it needs and deserves. There shouldn’t be winners and losers when it comes to job growth.

O’Mara said, “I’ll keep on saying it: New York government needs to stay focused, more than anything else, on taking action after action after action on Upstate manufacturing job growth and eliminating the crushing burdens of mandates, regulations and taxes. It begins and ends with addressing these priorities. The governor’s blueprint is not aggressive enough on these priorities, and it’s not aggressive enough on creating Southern Tier jobs.

Overall, the Executive Budget proposal addresses issues we face every day, including property taxes, jobs, and infrastructure, while keeping spending in check. I am especially encouraged by Governor Cuomo’s continuing commitment to invest in Upstate New York. There is much to consider in this budget proposal, and I look forward to studying the details and discussing it with my constituents and colleagues in the coming weeks, with the goal of enacting and on-time, fiscally responsible budget.

Albany, N.Y. – State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has issued the following statement in response to Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address and Executive budget proposal:

“In the coming days and weeks, I will be going over the Executive budget proposal with a fine-tooth comb. I am pleased that the Governor has proposed major investments in infrastructure, a new property tax relief program and expanding broadband access in rural communities.”

“Governor Cuomo’s State of the State continues to place an important focus on what I believe are the key priorities that have helped put New York State back in the right direction: cutting taxes, controlling state spending, and growing our economy.

Working together in a bipartisan manner over the last four years, we’ve achieved some great things: the lowest income tax and business tax rates in decades, a functioning and fiscally responsible state government, a much improved business climate, and smart investments in economic development, infrastructure, and education. The Governor stated that we must 'keep doing what we’ve been doing,' and I completely agree.

Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget respects the spending cap, while offering tax relief to property owners and incentives for businesses to expand and add jobs. I share these priorities, so it’s helpful the governor has started the negotiations off at this point.

My goal is to help deliver a fifth consecutive on-time budget – a plan that will help bring prosperity to the people of the Mohawk Valley and Northern New York.

I received the entirety of the governor’s plan and vision for the first time today. My colleagues and I will now begin a thorough review. As I work, I welcome the opportunity to discuss various ideas with my constituents.

These hearings provide the appropriate legislative committees with public input on the executive budget proposal. The hearings will be available for viewing on the Senate and Assembly websites. The Legislative Channel (on cable systems throughout the state) also will carry the proceedings, which will be preempted when the houses are in session. At the conclusion of the legislative deliberations, the channel will resume televised coverage of the hearings.

On the first Your Voice cable program of 2015, State Senator John A. DeFrancisco talks about the 2015 Legislative Session, the upcoming budget process, and his legislative priorities for the new year. He also talks about his ongoing legislative questionnaire, which seeks the input of constituents regarding various key state issues.

Senator Michael Venditto is sponsoring workshops to help residents file property tax assessment grievance applications. If you are a home owner who disagrees with the new tentative property tax assessment as shown on your Nassau County Property Tax Impact Disclosure Notice, you may dispute the assessed values during the formal grievance period from January 2nd through March 2nd 2015.